When the time comes to give your bathroom ceiling a new coat of paint, you want to be sure to select the best bathroom ceiling paint for the job. The bathroom can be a humid and moist environment, so it’s important to choose a type of paint that is mildew-resistant and can withstand the humidity.
Read on to find out what you need to think about when choosing the best paint for your bathroom ceiling.
What is the best bathroom ceiling paint?
The best type of paint for a bathroom ceiling is typically a 100% acrylic moisture-resistant paint that is also mold and mildew resistant.
Top picks for bathrooms are Benjamin Moore’s Aura Bath & Spa and BEHR MARQUEE Ceiling Paint.
Aura Bath & Spa
This high-quality paint from Benjamin Moore is used by professionals and for a good reason. It has extreme hide and coverage so you don’t need to worry about applying multiple coats.
It’s a moisture and mildew-resistant paint formulated for humid environments with paint and primer in one.
It has zero-VOC and low-odor and it’s available in thousands of colors if you don’t want to go the white route.
What users have said about it:
“This is very similar to the main Aura paint, fantastic coverage and a flawless finish. I have used this for clients who are always impressed and at home where I can vouch for its mould resistance. I did find that the anti condensation worked for a while but then seems to have stopped. This does mean I have a few faint water streaks on the wall now. My Bathroom gets very steamy so this could be the cause as there is no extractor fan Depite this its still a great product that I would always recommend for Bathrooms.”
“As with all the Aura range it goes on an absolute treat with the added advantage of being able to go straight onto new plaster without having to mistcoat, also it’s a very nice matt finish.”
MARQUEE Ceiling Paint
BEHR’s MARQUEE ceiling paint is another great product that has the same properties as Benjamin Moore’s Aura Bath & Spa.
It usually only needs one coat for full coverage and also has primer in the paint.
What users have said about it:
“We bought the product in a light blueish green and white for trim color, to cover up a half painted, super bright purple bathroom. Indeed, one coat coverage. I couldn’t believe my eyes! Prep took more time than the painting did and I was ecstatic. Changed my life. Walking into a beautiful, bright bathroom can start your day pretty well! Only took an evening for the whole process.”
“I bought this at home Depot and used it in my bathroom. Holds up great almost a year no issues. Only one coat needed. The price is worth it.”
These 2 premium paints are your best bet when it comes to choosing the best paint for your bathroom ceiling and they’re used by professionals and DIYers alike.
Should I paint my bathroom ceiling white?
The most common color for ceilings is white but you can paint your bathroom ceiling any color you like. Just be sure to select a paint that is moisture-resistant and can withstand the humidity in your bathroom.
Ceilings are usually painted white because it helps to reflect light and makes the room appear brighter and more spacious. If you want to make a small bathroom appear bigger, painting the ceiling white is a good idea.
White is also considered a neutral color and goes well with any other color you might want to use in your bathroom such as on the walls or furnishings.
What Finish Should I Choose for My Bathroom Ceiling Paint?
A matte finish is usually used on ceilings because it doesn’t reflect light like paint with higher gloss does and is less likely to show surface imperfections.
However, if you want a ceiling that is easier to clean, you might want to choose a satin, semi-gloss or even a high gloss paint.
Can I just paint over a water-stained ceiling?
Some paints nowadays have stain-blocking properties and primer in one, so you may be able to paint over a water-stained ceiling without having to do any prep work first.
Make sure to read the label on the paint can to see if the paint you’re considering has this type of coverage.
Give the ceiling a coat of paint and then see if the stain is still visible. If it is, you might need to do some spot priming before painting the entire ceiling.
If the stains bleed through even on the second coat then wait a day before you paint another coat.
How do you prepare a bathroom ceiling for painting?
If the ceiling is in good shape then all you have to do is give it a good cleaning. Use a cleaning product such as TSP-PF.
Mix the powder with water according to the package directions and then wash the ceiling with the mixture using a sponge. With this product there is no need to rinse the ceiling afterward.
It’s highly alkaline so make sure to wear gloves and eye protection when using it.
Once the ceiling is dry, you can start painting either by rolling or spraying it.
How can I fix peeling paint on a bathroom ceiling?
If the paint on your ceiling has started to peel, you’ll need to remove all the loose paint before painting over it.
Use a putty knife or scraper to remove the peeling paint. Then spackle the area to smooth it out and fill in any holes.
Once the spackle is dry, sand the area until it’s smooth. If the corners need caulking then use an acrylic latex caulk that is paintable.
Now you’re ready to paint over the repaired area. Paint the spackled area before you paint the rest of the ceiling.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions related to the topic:
Is regular ceiling paint OK in a bathroom?
Regular paint doesn’t have the same properties as bathroom ceiling paint and won’t be able to withstand the humidity in your bathroom. Be sure to select a paint that is moisture-resistant and can handle the humidity in your bathroom.
What kind of primer should I use on the bathroom ceiling?
If you need to prime your ceiling then choose a water-based primer with stain-blocking properties. The paints mentioned in this article all have primers in them so you don’t need an extra primer step.
How often should you paint the bathroom ceiling?
When the paint starts to peel it is time to repaint the ceiling.
Over time it will slightly yellow, even with modern water-based paint, so depending on your preference you may want to repaint it when it’s leaning more towards yellow than white.
Conclusion for best bathroom ceiling paint
No matter what condition your bathroom ceiling is in, these paints can help you cover it up and achieve the look you’re going for.
Whether you want to stick with a classic white or go for a bolder color these paints will get the job done and will give you a professional-looking finish.
With a little bit of prep work and the right paint, you can easily refresh your bathroom ceiling.
I hope you found this guide about the best paint for bathroom ceiling helpful and good luck with your painting project!